Readers React: Using ‘delaying tactics’ is evicted tenants’ constitutional right

To the editor: In my work as an attorney with Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, I represent low-income tenants who are facing eviction. The majority of tenants facing eviction do not have an attorney and must navigate the justice system on their own. Most of these tenants are evicted, and some become homeless. (“Eviction system ‘allows itself to be gamed,’ frustrating landlords,” March 1)

Landlords often try to bypass laws by improperly bringing eviction lawsuits for arbitrary reasons. Far too often, we see tenants who were never properly served. The only remedy these tenants have are the “delaying tactics” and “games” that columnist David Lazarus condemns. Tenants have the right to defend themselves in court and hold landlords accountable to strict laws that were created to maintain a fair process.

Lazarus claims that there are services that “specialize in buying extra time for renters.” I have personally helped tenants who sought services from places like 866-Eviction. These tenants pay a significant amount and often end up evicted.

What Lazarus calls delaying tactics, we call lifesaving and constitutionally guaranteed due process protections.

Ingrid Arriaga, Los Angeles

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